When they wrote out the list of things quarterback Josh Freeman needed to rebound from his disappointing 2011 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers put a veteran backup and mentor at the top of the list. The trick, of course, was finding the right one. Tampa Bay wanted someone relatively young, Nike Air Max 24-7 but with recent starting experience, a willingness to embrace his new role and a work ethic that exceeded that of work-a-holic Freeman. The Bucs went in search of that unique blend in the spring, and are convinced they found that rare commodity in former Lions, Texans and Colts quarterback Dan Orlovsky. “He’s a true pro,” Schiano said of the seven-year veteran from the University of Connecticut. “We wanted an established pro who was going to add value to the room. Quarterback is like no other position. That room really is a think tank for coaches and players.” The Bucs probably wouldn’t have him were it not for new quarterback coach, Ron Turner, who worked with Orlovsky a year ago in Indianapolis. When Turner saw what the Bucs were looking for, he knew precisely who to get. Tampa Bay signed the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Orlovsky to a two-year $2.5 million contract just one day after adding a trio of high-profile free agents: wide receiver Vincent Jackson, left guard Carl Nicks and cornerback Eric Wright. “We signed him pretty early in free agency, which tells you how much we wanted him,” general manager Mark Dominik said. “We just felt from the very beginning that he would be a great fit for Josh at this point in his career. “It’s just very important for a young quarterback Nike Air Max Classic BW to not only get a coach’s perspective, but also to get a player’s perspective on things such as preparation and execution, and that’s what Dan can do. It’s what he’s done.” Orlovsky, 28, has done so willingly, which was one of the job prerequisites. Still, he is not satisfied being a backup. A starter for seven games in 2008 with Detroit and five last year with Indianapolis, he wants to start again.
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